Ghana’s investment profile in 2024 has revealed a clear imbalance, with the bulk of projects concentrated in the Greater Accra Region. Out of 140 registered projects last year, 115 were located in Accra, according to figures released by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).
This heavy concentration has raised concerns about the need for a more balanced approach to investment across the country. It is in response to this challenge that the upcoming Volta Investment Summit, scheduled as part of the 7th Volta Trade and Investment Fair in Ho, is being presented as a national necessity rather than a regional event. The fair will run from November 26 to December 8, 2025.
Organisers of the event say the Volta Investment Summit is designed to redirect investment flows, reduce the strain on Accra, and unlock fresh growth opportunities in other parts of the country. They argue that Accra’s over-stretched amenities, heavy traffic congestion, and high cost of living are clear signs that Ghana cannot rely on the capital city alone to carry the weight of its economic ambitions.
“Accra alone cannot carry the weight of Ghana’s economic ambitions,” the organisers said. “By directing investments to regions like Volta, we can create jobs, build wealth, and ease the pressure on Greater Accra while promoting balanced development.”
The Volta Region is being strategically positioned as a gateway to Ghana’s eastern neighbours. With its proximity to Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, the region offers easy access to wider West African markets. By investing in Volta, Ghana aims to strengthen cross-border trade, attract export-oriented industries, and transform the area into a hub for commerce, innovation, and regional integration.
The broader Volta Trade and Investment Fair, launched last week under the theme “Volta Rising: Building Global Partnerships for a Thriving 24-Hour Economy”, is expected to attract local and international businesses, policymakers, and investors. Beyond the summit, the fair will showcase exhibitions, networking opportunities, and cultural programmes designed to highlight the region’s untapped potential.
Organisers stressed that the Volta Fair is not just for the region but a national project that deserves support across Ghana. They believe that with the right policies and investments, Volta can become a key pillar of Ghana’s 24-hour economy and serve as a bridge to new markets in West Africa.
Over the years, the Volta Fair has grown into one of Ghana’s leading platforms for public-private partnership, jointly run by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council. The fair has steadily positioned the region as a competitive hub for trade, industry, tourism, and innovation. This year’s edition, organisers say, will be the most ambitious yet, with a rollout of its first-ever 24-hour edition.
The pre-fair calendar includes activities such as corporate fun games, the Visit Volta: Experience Ghana tour, and a tourism and culture essay competition for schools. During the main fair, several high-level summits will take place alongside the investment discussions. These include the Women in Entrepreneurship Summit, Youth in Entrepreneurship Summit, ICT and Innovation Forum, and a workshop on packaging technology.
Other major highlights are the Ghana-India Business Dinner, Creative Arts Forum, Farmers Day celebrations, and district days, where individual districts will showcase their unique strengths and opportunities.
International participation is also expected to be strong. Delegations are being planned from Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, India, Malaysia, and several other countries. The organisers believe this will strengthen the fair’s global appeal and deepen international business linkages.
By pushing for greater regional investment, the Volta Investment Summit is being seen as an important step toward reducing Ghana’s over-reliance on Accra, creating balanced growth, and positioning the Volta Region as a major player in the country’s economic future.
